Share this:

Illinois Gov. Pat. Quinn has just signed medical cannabis bill HB1 into law, making Illinois the 20th medical weed state in the union.

The law calls for 60 dispensaries served by 22 grow locations making the program the third-largest state-regulated medical cannabis system in the country. No medical home-growing will be allowed.

The law specifies 35 medical conditions for eligibility, such as muscular dystrophy, cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS. The prescribing physician and patient must have an established relationship.

Passing the bill took ten years, according to advocacy group Marijuana Policy Project, who hired lobbyists, paid for TV and radio advertising, and grants to local activists. MPP also recruited 270 physicians to support the bill.

Forty percent of the U.S. population now lives in states with laws allowing for medical cannabis – which treats pain, nausea, muscle spasms and other chronic conditions.

Quinn said in a statement: “As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future’. Over the years, I’ve been moved by the brave patients and veterans who are fighting terrible illnesses. They need and deserve pain relief.”

“This new law will provide that relief and help eligible patients ease their suffering, while making sure Illinois has the nation’s strictest safeguards to prevent abuse.”

“Scientific evidence has found that medical cannabis can provide relief from continual pain, nausea and discomfort more effectively than conventional medications for patients suffering from serious ailments, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and HIV.”

Rep. Lang, a Deputy Majority Leader in the Illinois House said in a statement: “Pain and suffering for many chronically ill and terminally ill individuals will be significantly lessened, if not eliminated in some cases, because of Governor Pat Quinn’s courage to sign a controversial bill that often has been subjected to distortions and fear mongering. On behalf of the many patients who came to Springfield to advocate for the bill, I want to thank the governor.”

“Patients afflicted by the most unbearable conditions finally have a compassionate answer to their cries for help,” said Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), a former prosecutor. “This program alleviates suffering and provides strong safeguards against abuse. We are ensuring only those suffering from the most serious diseases receive this treatment.”

Among the people Governor Quinn spoke with while considering the bill was Jim Champion of Somonauk, Illinois, a veteran of the 101st Airborne who was struck with multiple sclerosis.

“I use medical cannabis because it’s the most effective medicine in treating my muscle spasticity with few side effects,” Champion said. “My wife shouldn’t have to go to drug dealers for my medicine. Neither of us deserve to be criminals.”

The federal government still considers marijuana a schedule 1 drug more dangerous than heroin or cocaine and Congress considers it to have no medical use and high potential for abuse.

About Smell the Truth

Smell the Truth, syndicated for distribution by TruMedia, is the recognized leading voice of the fast growing cannabis media space - giving advertisers, entrepreneurs, grassroots organizers and innovators access to a targeted network of cannabis users and advocates.